Since the dawn is the internet, filmmakers have utilized the World Wide Web to promote their projects in various ways. From basic websites to interactive games or even realistic looking pages designed to promote the fictitious backstory or lore of a film, the format has proven itself to be an indispensable tool in creating buzz for a project. Not many filmmakers, however, have used the platform to feature a counterpoint perspective to the narrative of a feature film. With his latest “Cine*Experience” effort, writer/director Zeke Zelker (IN SEARCH OF) has done just that with a web series and digital radio station that tell the other sides of the story behind the main narrative of his feature film BILLBOARD.
The story of the feature revolves around Casey, a graphic art author who inherits a failing AM alternative radio station from his deceased father. In an effort to rejuvenate the declining business, Casey hatches a plan to host a contest where participants literally camp out on the station’s sole billboard in the struggling city of Allentown, PA. Though his intentions are to inspire the downtrodden community while drumming up more listeners, his motivation comes under scrutiny when the contest lasts far longer than the naive head honcho anticipated.
With a cast including Heather Matarazzo (WELCOME TO THE DOLLHOUSE) and Leo Fitzpatrick (KIDS) as DJs, John Robinson (LORDS OF DOGTOWN) as the troubled owner, as well as Eric Roberts as the head of the competing radio station, the clever indie film tells a somewhat tragic tale of pride and legacy. An obvious love letter to the city of Allentown, Zelker also nods to the perseverance through the economic woes of the rust belt.
As a companion to the feature film, Zelker also tells the contestants’ side of the story with his web series aptly titled THE BILLBOARD SITTERS. Here we get a much more in depth look at the ins and outs of the brave and sometimes hilarious souls who live with on the side of a billboard in the hope that they will eventually walk away the winner of a mobile home and $96,000.
On yet another platform, Zelker has created a digital radio station, WTYT 960, that is a mock up of the radio station featured in the film. The “station” features real music from real bands as well as updates on the film. While the radio station is essentially a site with some streaming music, the featured tunes and band bios are actually pretty dang great.
All in all, I think Zelker’s comprehensive effort deserves some kudos. Not only has he created a thoughtful film, he has also developed an entire universe around the core narrative that is definitely worth checking out.
BILLBOARD opens theatrically in 4/5 with a wider release later in April. In the meantime, check out the web series THE BILLBOARD SITTERS and the digital radio station WYTY 960 today!
Thanks for reading,
Rebecca Elliott
Aka Annette Kellerman
